UK fresh produce suppliers have urged the EC to take a proportionate approach in banning citrus imports from South Africa because of the threat posed by citrus black spot disease.

During the 2012/2013 South African citrus import season, which is now just ending, 35 instances of black spot disease were identfied in the EU during checks on shipments.

Although there is no evidence the disease has spread to European citrus crops, the EC is now expected to announce import restrictions to protect EU crops. Suppliers fear such restrictions, could seriously disrupt supply of citrus to the UK, especially if they stayed in place for next year’s season.

One supplier warned that South African citrus accounted for roughly 20% of the total UK retail citrus market, so UK supply would be “very difficult” in 2013/2104 without it, particularly for grapefruit, lemons and oranges. “It would definitely have an inflationary effect on prices.”

The Fresh Produce Consortium added there needed to be clear evidence of a “significant and meaningful risk” to European citrus production before restrictions were implemented.

“The FPC is working with the UK and others to ensure the Commission understands the serious concerns if the proposed ban were maintained on an ongoing basis,” said CEO Nigel Jenney.

The FPC believes any ban should be “risk-based” with a regionalised approach taken, so it would not apply to Northern Europe, which does not produce citrus.

The EC’s Standing Committee on Safety of the Food Chain and Animal health is to discuss potential measures, “probably” adopting them by the end of next week.

The European Food Safety Authority is expected to review its advice on the disease by the end of the year.

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